Larin lifts Canada to draw with Bosnia in World Cup opener
Cyle Larin’s late goal earned Canada a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina in their Group B match in Toronto.
By Lucas Ferreira · Science & Environment Writer
2 min read
Cyle Larin came off the bench to earn Canada a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in a World Cup Group B opener in Toronto, Reuters reported. The equalizer gave the co-hosts their first World Cup point, though Canada missed a chance to begin the tournament with a win.
Reuters reported that Bosnia took the lead in the 21st minute through Jovo Lukic, who turned in a flick-on from a corner. It was Lukic’s first international goal and came as Bosnia and Herzegovina returned to the World Cup after a 12-year absence.
Canada had an early opening through Jonathan David, Reuters reported, but the country’s all-time leading scorer sent a shot from the center of the area straight at Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj. After Lukic’s goal, Canada carried more of the play, backed by a loud home crowd in red.
Reuters reported that Canada pressed through the rest of the first half but struggled to turn pressure into clear chances. Bosnia repeatedly cleared deliveries into the penalty area and protected its narrow lead into halftime.
The hosts came closest early in the second half through Richie Laryea, according to Reuters. Laryea broke through on goal in the 53rd minute, and Sead Kolasinac cleared his effort off the crossbar to keep Bosnia ahead.
Bosnia then had a chance to extend the lead when Ermedin Demirovic went through on goal, Reuters reported. Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau, making his World Cup debut after missing the 2022 tournament because of a broken leg, made the save.
Larin entered the match in the 76th minute and changed it quickly, Reuters reported. Less than three minutes later, the Southampton striker turned in the box and drove a right-footed shot from the center of the area that deflected in for 1-1.
Reuters reported that the goal was Canada’s first at a World Cup on home soil. It also spared the co-hosts from an opening defeat in a match where they had pushed forward often but lacked accuracy with the final touch.
The draw left both teams with one point in Group B, according to Reuters. Canada will take encouragement from the response after falling behind, while Bosnia and Herzegovina will rue losing a lead that had held until the closing stages.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.